‘Her melodious voice enriched our cultural world’: PM Modi condoles Suman Kalyanpur’s demise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday paid heartfelt tributes to legendary playback singer Suman Kalyanpur, who passed away in Mumbai at the age of 89.

Expressing grief over her demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Kalyanpur’s melodious voice and soulful renditions enriched India’s cultural landscape and earned her a special place among music lovers and admirers of Indian cinema.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described her passing as the silencing of one of the sweetest and most soul-stirring voices in Indian music. He said her immortal songs in Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, Odia and several other languages would remain an invaluable treasure for generations to come.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Kalyanpur’s pure and emotionally resonant voice connected generations of music lovers. He recalled her timeless songs and noted that her memorable duets with Mohammed Rafi continue to hold a special place in listeners’ hearts.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari called her demise a great loss to the Indian music industry. Remembering popular Marathi songs such as Ketakichya Bani Tithe, Sang Kadhi Kalnar Tula and Nimbonyachya Jhadamaghe, he praised her immense contribution to Indian music across multiple languages.

Born as Suman Hemmadi on January 28, 1937, Kalyanpur enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than seven decades. Often regarded as a contemporary of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, she became known for her distinctive voice and timeless melodies.

Among her most celebrated songs are Na Tum Hamein Jano, Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche, Na Na Karte Pyar, Mera Pyar Bhi Tu Hai, Dil Ek Mandir Hai and Behena Ne Bhai Ki Kalai Pe. She recorded thousands of songs in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati and several other Indian languages.

Kalyanpur was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2023 for her outstanding contribution to Indian music.

The legendary singer passed away on May 31 due to age-related health issues. Her final rites are scheduled to be held in Mumbai on June 1.